Lauren always thought her husband, Mike, simply disliked traveling, but his behavior this year left her questioning everything.

For 17 years, Mike refused to join family vacations. He dismissed her suggestions with excuses, leaving Lauren to take their boys, Ethan and Ben, on trips alone. But when her mom announced plans for a Virgin Islands getaway, Lauren decided it was time for change.

Mike initially resisted, but Lauren stood firm. She booked flights for herself and the boys, vowing not to let his fears hold them back. In the Virgin Islands, the boys thrived, building sandcastles and exploring the beach. Yet, Lauren couldn’t shake the feeling something was wrong. Mike’s calls were brief and distant, raising her concerns.

Unable to ignore the tension, Lauren returned home early, dreading what she might find. Walking through the door, she froze. Mike was sitting with an unfamiliar woman. Confronting him, she learned the truth: the woman was his therapist.

Mike confessed his lifelong fear of flying, a phobia he’d hidden out of shame. His excuses and resistance were rooted in panic, not disinterest. He revealed he’d been in therapy, determined to face his fear and join his family in future adventures.

Tears welled in Lauren’s eyes. “You should’ve told me,” she said.

“I’m trying,” Mike replied.

Lauren took his hand. “We’ll work on this together.”

The next morning, they planned a family trip for the first time in years, hopeful for a fresh start built on honesty and shared dreams.